Threatened and Protected Species

A threatened species is a species that has experienced a reduction in abundance, distribution or genetic diversity and is at risk of becoming extinct in NSW. Other rare species with stable numbers are protected. It is illegal to take, harm or possess threatened or protected species. If caught they must be returned carefully to the water. It is also illegal to damage the habitat of a threatened species. Areas that are known to be used for feeding and breeding are considered important for the survival of a threatened species.

You can keep up to date with threatened or protected species listings on the threatened species website. Help increase knowledge of these species by reporting sightings by e-mail to fisheries.threatenedspecies@dpi.nsw.gov.au or use the online form.